The Muses purchase First Church of Christ Scientist as new cultural arts center in Hot Springs

The Muses Creative Artistry Project, a non-profit performing, creativity, and healing arts company with a mission to preserve the classical arts through performance and education, recently purchased the First Church of Christ Scientist as its new cultural arts center. The church, located at 428 Orange Street, was built in 1910 and is listed on the historic register for its classical revival style architecture. With more than 5300 sq. feet, this downtown jewel has been meticulously maintained by its congregation and is according to Muses General Director Deleen Davidson “a viable and manageable facility for The Muses to fulfill our operational, artistic, and educational goals. We are quite thrilled and deeply grateful to all our capital campaign donors whose good will and generous support made this purchase possible!”

The church’s large sanctuary, enhanced by beautiful stained glass windows and a large skylight, will be transformed into an elegant performance hall that can seat up to 180 guests. Once the space has been converted, audiences will be able to comfortably enjoy Muses productions such as the annual opera gala, along with various concerts, recitals, choral, and chamber music offerings.

In addition to the performance hall, the center’s office, studio, classroom, and library spaces will house various Muses programs and activities such as “The Muses Art of Living” creativity outreach, private vocal instruction, art classes, life coaching, seminars and workshops, as well as small receptions and private events.

The public grand opening of The Muses Cultural Arts Center will be on Saturday, September 21 when The Muses will present its 2013 opera gala fundraiser, Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro." During the same week, also known as “Opera Week," The Muses performance troupe will tour its opera concert throughout the region, beginning with a performance in Garvan Woodland Gardens on September 15 and ending with the opera gala on September 21.

Once The Muses Creative Artistry Project is firmly established in its cultural arts center, as regional ambassadors of the arts, the members plan to be strong and effective proponents of the community-wide cultural and economic development initiatives for the revitalization of downtown Hot Springs.

More bad news for Garland County Sheriff's Office employees

According to Lt. James "Corky" Martin of the Garland County Sheriff's Office, two deputies were suspeneded on excessive use of force concerns. Sgt. Scott West received two weeks off without pay and Cpl. Kellar received four weeks off without pay. Both are to attend a Use of Force refresher class, which has already been scheduled.

Both officers were notified yesterday afternoon of their disciplinary actions.

Village holiday schedule

The Hot Springs Village administration building will be closed on Thursday, July 4 for the Fourth of July holiday. For your convenience, property owner services will be open Saturday, June 29, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call 922-5556.

The following schedule will be used for trash pick up for the holiday. 

Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 3 trash will be picked up as scheduled.

Thursday, July 4 trash will not be picked up.

Friday, July 5 trash will be picked up for Thursday customers. Yard waste will not be picked up on Friday.

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 922-5524.

It's all over with - no hospital merger

Capella Healthcare and Mercy Health have ended their discussions at this time to join together National Park Medical Center and Mercy Hot Springs, officials announced today.

This announcement comes after more than a year of due diligence and the investment of significant resources to create a stronger, more efficient healthcare delivery system for the region. The proposed partnership was subject to approvals by both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Vatican. The Asset Purchase Agreement between Capella and Mercy, which has been extended once during this process, expires this week.

“Because we anticipate continued challenges – over an indefinite timeline – in obtaining the needed approvals, Capella and Mercy have mutually agreed to not renew our Asset Purchase Agreement and will end our discussions at this time,” said Lynn Britton, President and CEO of Mercy. “We believe prolonging this uncertain and complicated path is not in the best interest of our local caregivers and the community. However, we remain committed to finding the right solution for enhancing healthcare in Hot Springs.”

Capella and Mercy entered into discussions to form an affiliation in light of the clear need for a stronger, more unified healthcare system better positioned to succeed in today’s challenging environment and to compete with larger Little Rock health systems just 45 minutes from Hot Springs.

“This is a difficult decision for both Capella and Mercy, especially given the tremendous amount of work and local support to bring together these two organizations,” said Dan Slipkovich, Chief Executive Officer of Capella. “This has been a complex process – particularly challenging for employees, physicians and volunteers at the local hospitals. We sincerely thank them for their patience and continued unwavering commitment to providing excellent care and service throughout this process. Capella and Mercy will separately explore how to best move forward in the coming weeks.”

About Capella Healthcare

Capella Healthcare partners with communities to build strong local healthcare systems that are known for quality patient care. Based in Franklin, Tenn., Capella owns and/or operates 14 acute care and specialty hospital facilities in six states. With the philosophy that all healthcare is local, Capella collaborates with each hospital’s medical staff, board and community leadership to take care to the next level. The company has access to significant leadership and financial resources, investing in its family of hospitals to strengthen and expand services and facilities. For more information, visit the website, www.CapellaHealthcare.com.

About Mercy

Mercy is the sixth largest Catholic healthcare system in the U.S. and serves more than 3 million people annually. Mercy includes 32 hospitals, more than 300 outpatient facilities, 39,000 co-workers and 1,900 integrated physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has outreach ministries in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. For more about Mercy, visit www.mercy.net.

FEMA declares Arkansas disaster area

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Arkansas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of May 30 to June 3, 2013.
The President's action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in Cleburne, Cross, Independence, Montgomery, Poinsett, Polk, Scott, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren, and Woodruff counties. 
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Kenneth K. Suiso has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Suiso said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Boomers Rock

The Boomers Rock club presents SummerFest 2013 on Saturday July 20th from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Balboa Pavilion.
Please join us for a festive afternoon and evening. Enjoy boat rides, games, prizes, raffles and music by the rock band Midnite Parade.
A variety of your favorite foods and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from these vendors: Grampa’s Catfish, True Blue BBQ, Hot Dog Mike’s and Garrett's Funnel Cakes and More.
Tickets are $10.00 each. For more information and to purchase tickets visit HSVTicketSales.com. This event is open to the public.

Splash Island one of many thrills found at Magic Springs in Hot Springs

By Zoie Clift, travel writer

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Located in the scenic foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Magic Springs Water and Theme Park in Hot Springs is the only park of its sort in Arkansas. The attraction’s latest feature is Splash Island, a giant interactive water play structure.

“What we find is that guests really respond to the water attractions,” says Dana Whisenhunt, a spokesperson with the park. “It gets so hot here during the summertime that everyone really flocks to the water. We have had fantastic comments about Surf Island. We think it fits the park… it is very bright and colorful and the surf element gives it a beachy feel. And it looks cool with the waves coming down where the surfer is."

The structure is the fourth major attraction to be constructed in the water park since 2007. It stands more than four stories tall with 10 colorful water slides and a giant tipping bucket that dumps a thousand gallons of water every ten minutes. It also has slides, bubble jets, water wheels, water curtains, net climbs, pools and waterfalls.

“It gives the interactive element that families are looking for where everyone can be on the attraction and enjoy it their own way,” Whisenhunt says. “If you go to a playground you can sit and watch your kids play. This is the same idea… a water playground. I think mothers really love the area. We have these huge umbrellas they can sit under, relax with friends, read a book and they know that their kids are in this contained area, which makes it really great for those with small children. A wide range of ages can enjoy the attraction because some of the slides are pretty big, and then you’ve got your little slides for toddlers.”

Whisenhunt says two new family shows, part of the park admission price, have also been added to the lineup this season. Pirate Adventure features professional actors who bring Captain Anton Del Ray and his crew to life as they take over Splash Island. “This is something very new for us -- it takes place six days a week and is only dark on Tuesdays,” Whisenhunt shares. “There is lots of sword fighting, stunts… it is very theatrical.” Performances are at 12:30, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.

The group Chill Tones is also on-park this season, serenading guests with their traveling musical act from one end of Magic Springs to the other – at 1:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. each day.

The park is well known for thrill rides. Among them: the X-coaster, the first of its kind in the nation. On this ride, visitors can experience inversion without the constraint of a shoulder harness. The landmark wooden roller coaster Arkansas Twister, designed by esteemed engineer William Cobb, includes a 92-foot drop and top speeds of 50 mph. The Gauntlet includes a 110-foot drop into five inverted loops and bends. Family rides and amusements just for kids, such as the Rum Runner Pirate Ship (a pendulum-style ride), are also offered. Detailed descriptions of all rides, as well as point-of-view video, can be found at MagicSprings.com.

“Families planning an all day trip end up doing the rides first, have lunch and then change into their water park attire and do that the rest of the day,” says Whisenhunt. “They generally want to do the rides when it is cooler and the water park when it is hotter.”

The wet side of Magic Springs, known as Crystal Falls Water Park, includes a wave pool, body slides, tube slides, racing slides, and other rides like the Boogie Blast surf attraction. The design of Boogie Blast was created by surfers and designed to simulate the type of experience enjoyed by skateboarders, body boarders, wakeboarders and snowboarders. To deliver the effect, submersible propeller pumps located in the pool below the ride inject a three-inch sheet of water over the ride surface creating a surfable wave. Adjustable speed and water flow make the ride approachable to all skill levels.

Admission to Magic Springs includes all day use of the rides and attractions in both parks. A Season Pass allows for unlimited visits to the park plus free shows at the Timberwood Theater concert series. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Everclear are among the acts on the schedule. Concerts are offered every Saturday night through August 31st.

Magic Springs is open seven days a week now through August 18th, and on weekends through Labor Day. For more information, visit magicsprings.com or call 501-624-0100.

Preparing for Runyon Street bridge project

Arkansas Highway & Transportation Department representatives recently conducted a field review with City of Hot Springs staff members regarding plans to replace the Runyon Street Bridge over Hot Springs Creek. 

Runyon Street will be rebuilt and widened to 26 feet from just west of the railroad tracks to its convergence with Valley Street, including storm drainage and curb inlet modifications, and will include a new 12’ wide multi-use trail section to the north side of the Runyon Street bridge that will be a part of the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail system.

At the meeting, Brooke Oerkins, AHTD Project Manager, was joined by engineers and representatives from AHTD’S Bridge, Right-of-way, and Roadway divisions. Mark Headley, District Construction Engineer and Tim Baber, Resident Engineer also attended, as overseers of the project’s construction phase.  The AHTD Engineering group reviewed the construction drawings with city staff, including Public Works Director Denny McPhate, Parks & Recreation Director Jean Wallace and City Engineer Gary Carnahan. City staff asked questions; made a few minor adjustments; and discussed right-of-way and utility relocation needs; and more.

80% of the project cost will be paid by the state and 20% by the city. Estimated cost is about $500,000. The city’s cost share is included in this year’s budget. Bid letting is anticipated in October 2013, and construction will take 8-12 months, weather permitting.

Long-term road closure

Winona Street in Hot Springs, from Central Avenue to Virginia Street, will remain closed to through traffic until Thursday, August 1 for wastewater gravity main construction.  Signs will be posted, and motorists are advised to seek an alternate route during closure.  

Pryor argues for lower interest rates

Armed with stories from Arkansans, U.S. Senator Mark Pryor took to the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to reach a compromise on the student loan interest rate. Without action, the interest rate on subsidized Stafford Loans will double from 3.4% to 6.8% on July 1st— increasing the cost of college for 68,000 Arkansas students.

Church workers improving Hot Springs

Paula Vincent, a volunteer from Hot Springs Baptist Church, paints a historic downtown bench as part of the church’s “Mission Hot Springs” community-wide outreach. This week, groups of church members are painting benches and trash receptacles downtown, performing yard cleanup and construction projects, and hosting Backyard Bible Clubs and block parties in neighborhoods throughout the greater Hot Springs area.

Arkansas declared disaster area

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), and Steve Womack (AR-3) announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared Arkansas a disaster area, allowing the state to receive financial assistance to recover from severe storms.

“After Arkansas was hit with severe storms this spring, we saw an outpouring of support from neighbors, churches, and first responders. But more help was needed,” Pryor said. “This designation gives our state the resources it needs to help rebuild, recover, and move forward.”

“I am pleased by the Administration’s quick response and approval of Arkansas’s request. The recent storms that have hit Arkansas have caused significant damages in many communities. Disaster assistance will move the rebuilding forward and help Arkansans, some whom have lost everything to the recent extreme weather, get back on their feet,” Boozman said.

“I am proud to announce this disaster assistance for the state of Arkansas. Our constituents have displayed remarkable resilience through devastating storms and flooding. This declaration from FEMA will bring much-needed financial assistance to Arkansas as we seek to rebuild and grow,” said Crawford.

“This assistance will help those affected by recent storms recover and move forward. I am pleased that FEMA acted quickly to help these families,” Griffin said.

“This disaster declaration is welcomed news to Arkansans.  The devastating storms this spring caused more damage than our state and local governments have been able to handle, and FEMA’s assistance will be instrumental to a quick and complete recovery,” said Womack.

Under this designation, Cleburne, Cross, Independence, Montgomery, Poinsett, Polk, Scott, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren, and Woodruff counties will be eligible to apply for Public Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. All Arkansas counties will also be eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which helps prevent or reduce long-term risks to life and property.

Possible fraud, check accounts

The Garland County Sheriffs Department and Hot Springs Police Department have received numerous complaints recently involving SuperClean of Arkansas LLC based in Hot Springs. Several previous customers that paid for services with a credit card have had those cards charged again recently without authorization. If you have previously used their services and paid by credit card or check, please check those accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

Please contact the Garland County Sheriffs Department or Hot Springs Police Department should you locate any unauthorized transactions.

Garland County Sheriffs Department 622-3660

Hot Springs Police Department 321-6789.

Hurry to get your t-shirt

Beginning at 9 a.m. today, June 25, the first 100 people bringing recyclable glass to the 24-hour Recycling Drop-off Center will receive a free green “Got Glass?” T-shirt (photo attached) during the Sanitation Department’s official Glass Recycling Kickoff. Refreshments will also be offered.

The drop-off center, located at the corner of Valley and Runyon, accepts other items such as newsprint, plastics #1 and #2, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans and phone books.

Recent improvements to the center include larger recycling containers, environmentally-friendly landscaping and a new asphalt surface. The perimeter landscaping includes bioswells and rain gardens that absorb rain, reduce the need for watering and filter the stormwater runoff before it reaches the adjacent Hot Springs Creek.

Public response has been strong since glass recycling was recently reinstated at the drop-off center. Most types of glass are recyclable, except plate glass like window panes or mirrors. The public is asked to rinse containers and remove lids. For more information or to begin recycling, call 321-6911.

Summer nutrition program in Hot Springs

The Hot Springs School District, Arkansas Department of Human Services and Arkansas Dream Center are partnering with the City of Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Department to provide free nutritious lunches to children 18 years old and under at the following locations this summer.

Wade Street Park, 300 Wade Street - From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., July 1 through August 2

Jonestown Community Park, 302 Hobson Avenue - From 2 to 2:30 p.m., June 24 through August 16

Advice for Lake Hamilton boat owners could go for any lake in the area

According to the Garland County Sheriff's Office, during the past several weeks Lake Hamilton has been experiencing some thefts of property from boats that are occurring during the late night hours. These individuals are stealing batteries, electronics, and anything of value that may be left in the boat. The Sheriff's Office is working diligently to apprehend those responsible for these thefts. It is strongly recommend each boat owner take special precautions to secure their property.

At a minimum, boat owners should remove any items of value that can be easily removed from their boat. Lock your boat and personal watercraft's to their docks with a strong cable or chain. Additionally, each boat owner should "personalize" their batteries by placing some method of identification on their batteries.

The Sheriff's Office further recommends all the dock owners ensure they have adequate lighting on their docks making a thief easily seen. Motion sensor floodlights provide a very effective means of lighting docks while saving energy. The Garland County Sheriff's Office hopes that every boat and dock owner on Lake Hamilton takes these precautions.

Game and Fish Commission decisions

Commissioners with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently discussed dove season, the unofficial opening of Arkansas’s fall hunting season, at its monthly meeting in Mountain Home.

Early-season migratory game-bird season selections must be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by Aug. 1. Approval for the early seasons will take place during the Commission’s July meeting. Changes from last season are minor.

Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared DoveSept. 1-Oct. 20 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9
Teal Season
Sept. 7-22

Rail SeasonSept. 7-Nov. 15

Woodcock SeasonNov. 2-Dec. 16

Common Snipe SeasonNov. 1-Feb. 15
Purple Gallinule and Common Moorhen Season
Sept. 1-Nov. 9

Early Canada Goose SeasonSept. 1-15

Northwest Canada Goose Zone SeasonSept. 21-30

Final approval for the seasons will occur during the Commission’s July meeting.

In other business, the Commission:

*Approved the sale of two small tracts of land to the City of Conway for widening of Highway 365. Sale of the two parcels totals $1,400.

*Approved the AGFC budget for fiscal year 2013-14, totaling $79,711,171.

*Approved a budget increase of $50,000 for emergency repairs to the levee and water control structure on Mallard Lake. The 329-acre lake is located in Mississippi County.

*Elected Ron Duncan of Springdale chairman of the Commission to replace Ron Pierce of Mountain Home. Pierce’s term on the Commission ends June 30. Ty Patterson of Texarkana was elected vice chairman.

Hot Springs street closure

Freida Street in Hot Springs, from Seventh Street to Summer will be closed to through traffic tomorrow, Wednesday, June 26 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. for tree removal.  Area residents will need to enter and exit from the Summer Street end of Freida Street.

 

Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closing.

NPCC closed for Independence Day

National Park Community College students, staff, and faculty will observe the July 4^th holiday on Thursday, July 4^th, and the campus will be closed. The campus will also be closed on Friday, July 5^th, as part of the regular summer hours.

The campus will be open on Monday, July 8^th, for its regular summer hours. 

Pryor wants faster filing options for Veterans

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor today signed on to the Veterans Benefits Claims Faster Filing Act, a cost-neutral, bipartisan bill that would help reduce the veterans disability claims backlog by providing veterans with faster filing options.

“Too many Arkansas veterans are stuck in limbo because of the Veterans Administration’s antiquated claims processing system,” Pryor said. “Thankfully, the VA has created programs to accelerate turnaround time. Our bipartisan bill builds on these initiatives to ensure veterans receive their earned benefits sooner.”

In May, the VA announced the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Community of Practice Initiative, an online program that allows the VA to process claims in half the time of a traditionally filed paper claim. The Veterans Benefits Claims Faster Filing Act would encourage veterans to file claims online through the FDC program to expedite processing. The bill would also require the VA to post the average turnaround time when claims are filed. Finally, it would require the VA to inform veterans that they are eligible to receive up to one additional year of benefits when they file with through the FDC program.

The Veterans Benefits Claims Faster Filing Act is supported by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

Outside contractor working weekends in Village

The Department of Public Works has contracted with an outside contractor to assist in mowing street right of ways in Hot Springs Village. Work started Friday, June 21 in the following neighborhoods: Ecuestre, Fenix, Cubel and Binifar. The contractor may work weekends until the mowing has been caught up.

Signs will be posted. Please remember to use caution around both the machinery and mowing crews. Drivers should be aware and keep a safe distance from the mower if it is moving. When able to do so, the mowers will pull over to allow vehicles to pass safely.

For more information, contact the Public Works at 922-5524 or 922-5528.

Parliament resigned

June 20 Royal resident Neil E. Parliament resigned from the Garland County Sheriff's Office in a one sentence resignation. He asked Sheriff Larry Sanders to,  "please accept my resignation from Garland County Sheriff's Office, effective immediately."

According to Lt. James "Corky" Martin, "there will still be no statements given by this agency regarding this case due to it being an active criminal investigation."

Sheriff Sanders asks that you don’t let the recent incidents and allegations reflect badly against the other 140 + dedicated Sheriff’s Office employees that are currently serving you. This agency takes all reports of wrong doing very seriously and after they are investigated, the appropriate disciplinary action is taken. 

Parliament is under investigation for alleged involvement in prostitution in Garland County.

Wilson terminated by Garland County Sheriff's Office

According to Lt. James "Corky" Martin of the Garland County Sheriff's Office, last Thursday, June 13, the Arkansas State Police contacted the Sheriff's Office patrol Captain about a dash cam video from a call they assisted us on, they felt the video needed to be brought to our attention. The incident was in reference to a traffic stop on suspects in an attempted burglary who fought with our deputies. Upon viewing the video, our Captain felt the matter needed to be turned over to our internal investigation panel for review.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and cannot be discussed and the video cannot be released. I can say that the Deputy in question, Sgt. Scott West, has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Following the investigation Investigator Danny Wilson was terminated from the Garland County Sheriff’s Office on June 11 on an ethics violation for conduct unbecoming of an officer, stemming from a report that was filed with the Hot Springs Police Department.

On the night of May 23 the Sheriff's Office was made aware of a report that was filed with the Hot Springs Police Department where Wilson allegedly exposed himself to a patron at the Big Chill. The patron did not wish to pursue charges against him, however he was suspended the next day (the 24th), without pay, pending an internal investigation for an ethics violation.

The internal investigation revealed enough evidence to justify his termination and he was subsequently terminated on June 11.

Boomers Rock

Boomers Rock presents SummerFest 2013

Sat. July 20
4 to 10 p.m.

Join the fun at the Balboa Pavilion and enjoy a festive afternoon and evening of boat rides (4 to 6 p.m.), games, prizes, raffles, food and rock n roll music by the band Midnite Parade (6 to 9 p.m.).  A great selection of your favorite foods and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from these vendors: Grampa's Catfish, True Blue BBQ, Hot Dog Mike's and Garrett Funnel Cakes. Public welcome.

For more info about the event: http://www.boomersrockhsv.com/home/upcoming-events/summerfest-2013

Tickets are $10.00 each and may be purchased online at HSVTicketSales.com though July 10 .

H7N7 in Scott County

According to Arkansas Online: A chicken in Scott County is confirmed with avian influenza, and state officials have quarantined poultry within a 6.2-mile radius around the infected bird's farm.

The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission said Wednesday that the chicken tested positive for H7N7 low pathogenic avian influenza.

The agency is coordinating its response and deciding on additional testing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Only the USDA can officially confirm avian flu cases.

Officials said recent flooding in Scott County was conducive to the spread of the virus. Chickens get avian flu from infected waterfowl or contaminated water.

The Arkansas Health Department says there is no public health threat and that properly cooked poultry won't spread the disease to people.

Use social media wisely

Forget passing notes in class or hanging photos on locker doors. Today’s children and teenagers most often turn to Internet social networking sites to share information and talk to friends.

 

With most of summer vacation still ahead, children and teens will most likely have lots of time to spend on social networks, whether from their home computers, phones or tablets. And though social networking is a convenient and effective way to keep up with friends and family, using social networking sites in an unsafe or inappropriate manner could lead to trouble for children and adults alike.

 

In recognition of Internet Safety Month, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel today issued this consumer alert with recommendations for Arkansas consumers about how to stay safe while using social networks.

 

“It’s very convenient to connect with friends and family on social networks, but that convenience also makes it easier for identity thieves, scammers, and those who would exploit our children,” McDaniel said. “So, it’s important for parents to have guidelines about Internet usage and talk to their children about how to avoid online dangers.”

 

The Attorney General said Arkansas consumers can follow a few safety tips that will reduce the risk of online dangers when children and teenagers are using social networks.

 

Here are those recommendations:

• Talk to children and teenagers about using caution when sharing information with “friends” they know solely from social networking sites. They should never give out their phone numbers, home addresses or school addresses to someone they meet on the Internet but do not know in person. Internet predators or identity thieves could create fake social networking profiles for nefarious purposes.

• Encourage children and teenagers to discuss with parents or a responsible adult if an online “friend” behaves in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

• Learn how each social networking site operates before allowing children or teens to join. Some sites allow only a defined, specific community of users to access posted content. Other sites might allow anyone to view postings. Consider implementing the highest privacy settings available, and avoid social networking sites that do not allow users to control access to postings.

• Remember the “front page” rule, which is: Users should not put anything on a social network that they would not want to see on the front page of a local newspaper. Keep in mind that information posted online is permanent. In addition, others may able to save information from popular social networking tools in which users may think data is automatically erased.

• Just as adults should never post information on social networks about when they are going on vacation or out of town, children and teenagers should never mention on the Internet when they are home alone.

• Be sure all social media accounts have unique, strong passwords. Make passwords more difficult to hack by including numbers and special characters. Having unique and strong passwords can prevent hackers from taking over an account to scam friends or use information against the owner of the account.

For Arkansas consumers who want to know more about social networking and online safety, visit the Attorney General’s website, www.ArkansasAG.gov. The Attorney General’s Community Relations Department offers seminars and free training on Internet safety. To request a presentation or additional information, call (800) 448-3014.

 

To learn more about consumer-related issues, visit the Consumer Protection Division website, www.GotYourBackArkansas.org, or call (800) 482-8982.

Oil spill on Lake Hamilton

Hot Springs Municipal Utilities’ potable water system will not be adversely affected by today’s confirmed oil spill in Lake Hamilton, according to Utilities Director Richard Penn.

“The oil spill is located about 6 miles below the city’s water intake,” said Penn.   “Our water system customers will be unaffected.”

At 11:08 this morning, the Arkansas Health Department received a report from a Lake Hamilton property owner of a one-mile-long, 20-feet-wide oil spill in front of her property, which is located in a cove of the lake.  Emergency responders are on the scene.  The origin and chemical composition of the spill is unknown at this time.

Safe routes to school program

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has announced the award of funding to applicants for “Safe Routes to School” Program projects in Arkansas, according to AHTD Director Scott Bennett. The program is a 100 percent Federally-funded initiative of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
“This program is specifically directed toward enabling and encouraging students in Kindergarten through 8th grade to walk or bicycle to school,” said Bennett. “We were overwhelmed with 52 applications seeking over $7.6 million during the fifth application period for this program. The Highway Commission was able to award approximately $2.0 million in funds toward 31 very deserving projects.”
Areas within two miles of a K-8th grade school are eligible for funds to be disbursed in two categories – infrastructure improvements and non-infrastructure. Improvement projects can include the planning, design and construction of sidewalks, crossings, and bicycle facilities as well as traffic diversion and speed reduction improvements. Non-infrastructure programs can include public awareness campaigns, traffic education, walking school buses, bike trains, enforcement and outreach activities.
The AHTD will now work with the successful applicants to develop their proposals into completed projects.

Tonight's concert cancelled

Due to illness the Hot Springs Village Big Band concert in Whittington Park set for tonight has been cancelled. The Big Band will be back on July 5 at the Balboa Pavilion in Hot Springs Village from 7 to 9 p.m.

Rain, rain, yeah

A line of thunderstorms in western Arkansas this morning is likely to weaken slowly through about midday and then will probably increase in strength again this afternoon.  So, for this afternoon and evening, a few severe storms could occur in just about any section of Arkansas. Damaging winds will probably be a greater threat than large hail.

On Tuesday, isolated severe storms will be possible, mainly in the southern half of the state during the afternoon and evening.

On Wednesday and Thursday, isolated severe storms could occur in just about any part of the state during the afternoon and evening.

Rainfall amounts from today through Wednesday will reach 1 to 2 inches in many areas, though not every place in the state will receive rain.  Where slow-moving storms occur or where more than one strong storm moves across the same area, some totals in the 3 to 4 inch range could occur.

After Thursday, we will be back into more of a summertime pattern where daytime heating could spark a severe storm or two on just about any afternoon.

Concert tomorrow night

Last little quake

M2.5 - ARKANSAS

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	2.5
Date-Time	14 Jun 2013 18:38:01 UTC 14 Jun 2013 13:38:02 near epicenter 14 Jun 2013 12:38:01 standard time in your timezone
Location	35.494N 92.389W
Depth	0 km
Distances	12 km (7 mi) SSE of Clinton, Arkansas 45 km (27 mi) N of Conway, Arkansas 65 km (40 mi) WNW of Searcy, Arkansas 66 km (40 mi) NNW of Cabot, Arkansas 83 km (51 mi) N of Little Rock, Arkansas
Location Uncertainty	Horizontal: 0.9 km; Vertical 2.4 km
Parameters	Nph = 16; Dmin = 20.3 km; Rmss = 0.14 seconds; Gp = 93° Version = A
Event ID	nm 061413a

I was hacked

My yahoo account was hacked. I have reported the incursion and I have changed my identifying information. I apologize if you got a bogus e-mail from me. Once again we can correspond safely at insidehotspringsvillage@yahoo.com.

Immediate water conservation rules

Message from the Village POA:

As temperatures increase and with the Water Treatment Plant Expansion in progress, it is imperative that residents be extremely conservative when using water for landscaping. For this reason, the following water conservation regulations will be put into effect immediately.

These regulations include (1) odd/even – with odd numbered properties watering on odd calendar days and even numbered properties watering on even numbered days, and (2) landscape irrigation during non-daylight hours.

 Violators are subject to having their sprinkler systems disconnected.

Water treatment capacity is currently limited to 3 million gallons per day while under construction. Until the expansion is complete, Village residents are asked to conserve and control usage of potable water.

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 501-922-5524.

Meet the new GM

Meet David Twiggs, the new Hot Springs Village Chief Operating Officer/General Manager, at a Meet and Greet Reception set for Thursday, June 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center.

Twiggs, who began serving in his position June 10, worked as Chief Operating Officer/General Manager of Savannah Lakes Village in South Carolina.

The public is invited to attend.

Children's swimming lessons

Sign up your children for swimming lessons at the DeSoto Pool. Swim lessons are offered throughout the summer and are taught by qualified instructors for children ages 1 year and up, Monday - Friday. The fee is $30.00 per child, per session. Children are placed in Class Levels depending on their swimming ability. Each class lasts one week. Classes are held at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

  

Swim lesson sessions are as follows: Session 1: June 17-21, Session 2: June 24-28, Session 3: July 8-12**, Session 4: July 15-19**, Session 5: July 22-26 and Session 6: July 29-Aug. 2.

** Infant/Toddler (1-3 years, 10 to 11 a.m.) Classes will be held during Session 3 and 4 only. A parent or guardian is required in the pool with each infant or toddler (1-3 years).

The DeSoto Pool swim program is based on the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program and safety materials and includes six levels of swimming and water safety instruction.

Pool hours are: Monday – Friday: 11 a.m.to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m. Other weekly activities include deep water aerobics and volleyball/badminton.

The pool is also available to rent for birthdays, family reunions, parties, etc. Rental is during non-scheduled hours and includes lifeguards. The cost is $45.25 per hour (POA members) and $60.00 per hour (Guests) for 30 people or less with a $25.00 clean up fee; each 10 additional people are $10.00 each.

Newcomers coffee

New Hot Springs Village residents are invited to attend a newcomers coffee, which will be held Thursday, June 27 at 9 a.m. in the Ouachita Activities Building of the Ponce de Leon Center.

Coffee and donuts will be available at 8:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9 a.m. The meeting gives new residents an opportunity to hear about the Property Owners’ Association, organizations and activities in Hot Springs Village.

The Ponce de Leon Center is located at 1101 Desoto Boulevard. For more information, call 922-4231.

Two dogs helped by Village Animal Control

The HSV Animal Control Shelter provides help and hope for not only lost pets but also homeless animals in Hot Springs Village.

Recently, the Animal Control staff had the opportunity help two dogs, providing much needed care and comfort.

Animal Control Officer Liz Hammock said the Shelter had received numerous calls from HSV residents who had spotted several small dogs just outside the Glazier Peau Gate. Because they were not within the HSV boundaries, staff could not intervene, something she said was “heartbreaking.”

Residents continued to try to capture the dogs but were unable to do so because the dogs would run away in fear. A few days later, Hammock said the Shelter staff began hearing reports the dogs had entered Hot Springs Village. And then fate intervened – a resident called to let Hammock know she had been able to capture the animals in her garage.

When Hammock arrived on the scene, she found a Dachshund female, now known as Daisy, and a male Terrier, now known as Angus. “I took the two small dogs to the Shelter,” said Hammock, noting “they were more tired than hungry. They curled up on blankets in separate cages and went to sleep.”

Daisy also had a deep bite wound on her head. After some much needed rest and food, the Hot Springs Village Animal Welfare League took both dogs to a clinic, paying for the animals to be treated.

Though Daisy and Angus are doing well, they are still waiting for their happy ending, according to Hammock. “The only thing needed … is one or two people with an empty lap and big heart to give these wonderful animals a forever home,” she said.

Hammock said Daisy and Angus are very friendly, enjoying short walks and “conversations with visitors to the Shelter.”

For more information about adopting these and other animals at the Shelter, please call 915-8944. For other animal related information, call 922-6547.

Martin on Parliament

Statement from Lt. James "Corky" Martin of the Garland County Sheriff's Department:

Yesterday afternoon one of our employees, Cpl. Neil Parliament, was arrested by Federal authorities.

Per policy, and at the advice of the County Attorney, we do not discuss or disclose personnel issues during an investigation, therefore we will not discuss, release details of, answer questions or hold interviews relating to this matter. It is our understanding, from media sources, that U.S. Attorney Connor Eldridge will be holding a press release on this investigation in the near future.

Any questions related to the allegations or charges should be directed to the appropriate agency.

Until we can receive further information on the details of his arrest, his employment status will be suspended without pay.

Musical opportunity tonight in the Village

Good Morning,  At the beginning of the H.S. Music Festival, I had the opportunity to listen to this wonderful group.  This group comprised of piano, violin, and cello are absolutely beautiful and flawless.  They will be here in the Village Thursday evening at the Kirk in the Pines for only $10.00.  I encourage each of you to consider going and inviting your friends.  You will not be disappointed..................Carolyn Bowers

Bigger earthquake today

M2.8 - ARKANSAS

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	2.8
Date-Time	13 Jun 2013 06:18:03 UTC 13 Jun 2013 01:18:04 near epicenter 13 Jun 2013 00:18:03 standard time in your timezone
Location	35.396N 92.443W
Depth	4 km
Distances	18 km (11 mi) NNW of Greenbrier, Arkansas 34 km (21 mi) N of Conway, Arkansas 58 km (35 mi) N of Maumelle, Arkansas 60 km (37 mi) NW of Cabot, Arkansas 73 km (45 mi) N of Little Rock, Arkansas
Location Uncertainty	Horizontal: 8.4 km; Vertical 3.0 km
Parameters	Nph = 36; Dmin = 18.1 km; Rmss = 0.25 seconds; Gp = 34° Version = 6
Event ID	us c000hpam

Small earthquake yesterday

M2.2 - ARKANSAS

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	2.2
Date-Time	12 Jun 2013 20:19:20 UTC 12 Jun 2013 15:19:20 near epicenter 12 Jun 2013 14:19:20 standard time in your timezone
Location	35.411N 92.402W
Depth	0 km
Distances	19 km (11 mi) N of Greenbrier, Arkansas 35 km (21 mi) N of Conway, Arkansas 59 km (36 mi) NW of Cabot, Arkansas 60 km (37 mi) N of Maumelle, Arkansas 74 km (45 mi) N of Little Rock, Arkansas
Location Uncertainty	Horizontal: 0.7 km; Vertical 2.4 km
Parameters	Nph = 16; Dmin = 15.3 km; Rmss = 0.18 seconds; Gp = 97° Version = A
Event ID	nm 061213e

Meet Twiggs

Meet David Twiggs, the new Hot Springs Village Chief Operating Officer/General Manager, at a meet and greet reception set for Thursday, June 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center.

Twiggs began serving in his position June 10, worked as Chief Operating Officer/General Manager of Savannah Lakes Village in South Carolina.

The public is invited to attend.

Tee time system down tonight in the Village

The Hot Springs Village Tee Times System and Website will be down for maintenance from 8 p.m. June 12 to 8 a.m. June 13.

Twiggs on KVRE

David Twiggs, the new GM in the Village is on KVRE live right now, 9:30 - 10 a.m.

Hot Springs historic district commission considers several applications

The Hot Springs Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 20 in the Board Chambers of Hot Springs City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard. This hearing is to consider the following certificate of appropriateness requests. 

• Andrew’s Restaurant, 410 B Central Avenue - request to install two lanterns and three signs on the front of the building
• Petals, Purses, Etc.,  516 A Central Avenue - request to add one additional sign on the front entry door
• Rolando’s Speakeasy, 210 Central Avenue - request to install one business identification sign on the second story facade of this building
• The Funky Monkey Clothier, 113 Central Avenue - request to install new business identification signs on this building

Pryor reaching out to black media

Thursday, June 13th, U.S. Senator Mark Pryor will join members of the national media, including Ebony, The Root, and Black America Web, for an African-American Media Roundtable. Following the event, Pryor will host a debriefing conference call to discuss the roundtable and address issues affecting the African-American community.

WHAT: African-American Media Roundtable Debriefing with Senator Pryor

WHEN: Thursday, June 13th at 1:10 p.m. CT

HOW: Call 1-855-428-0808 and use the conference ID 5235627

Participants should dial #5 when they are not asking questions.  This automatically mutes your phone.  Before asking a question, participants will need to redial #5.  Please do not broadcast or share the ID Number. We are more than willing to accommodate anyone’s request for a spot on the call, but they need to contact us so that we may reserve the number of phone lines ahead of time. 

Special MPO meeting in Hot Springs

A special meeting of the Hot Springs Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Technical Committee will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18 at the Transportation Depot, 100 Broadway Terrace.    The agenda includes:  Project Update, TIP Amendments, Bylaws Amendments, Proposed Relocation of MPO, and other public business.  For more information, call 321-4804.

NPCC Honor Society recognized for achievements

The Alpha Beta Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at National Park Community College received special commendation during the recent Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Convention for fulfilling all requirements to be named a "5 Star Chapter," the highest level possible. 

The chapter also cohosted the Society's annual convention in Fayetteville and is recognized on the Society website at ptk.org. 

NPCC Phi Theta Kappa student officers involved with this achievement are Tina Cooper, Anna Jackson, Tina Donoho, and April Barrett. Other PTK members who attended the convention and participated in cohosting activities are Jimmie Fite, Amanda Vaughn, Sarah Holt, and Brent Taylor.

Incoming and returning officers Brent Taylor, Tina Donoho, April Barrett, and Megan Pennington are working on this year’s college project, Relay for Life, and an academic Honors in Action topic as well as a variety of fundraising projects. 

Learn to identify garden pests

Introduction to the Sentinel Plant Network: How to Identify Pests and What to Do About It
June 27
9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Magnolia Room

RESCHEDULED FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF MAY 20.
Interested in helping stop the spread of invasive pests? Join us for a one-day workshop to learn how your interest in and knowledge of gardening and nature can help experts on a national scale manage insects and diseases threatening our gardens, fields & forests. Experts will train you on identifying and reporting possible threats to the appropriate authorities. Bring your lunch from home or purchase at the Chipmunk Café.
Admission: free to GWG members & regular admission for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Please call 501-262-9300 to register. Space is limited.

Learn about European gardens at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Gardening 101 Workshop: "Parks and Palaces"
June 17
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. - Magnolia Room

Join resident landscape architect Bob Byers for a virtual tour of the Great Gardens of Europe. During this afternoon session, you will take a look at European influences on American Garden designs and landscape architecture. See how the English Landscape school, the Renaissance, and many other influences helped to shape the landscapes we enjoy today.

Free Members / regular admission Non-Members. Advance registration required. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664 to register.

Butterflies at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Gardening 101 Workshop: "Butterflies"
June 17
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Magnolia Room

Who doesn’t love butterflies? Learn what you can do to attract and keep more butterflies in your garden. In this presentation, you will learn how to identify specific butterflies, their caterpillars and host plants, along with lots of other neat facts associated with the butterflies of the Ozarks. Learn how to adopt a caterpillar, create a Monarch Way Station, tag Monarchs, grow specific butterfly plants and more. Bring your lunch from home or purchase at the Chipmunk Café.

Free Members / regular admission Non-Members. Advance registration required. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664 to register. 

Grease at DeSoto pool this Saturday

Dive in to the movies at the DeSoto Pool this summer. “Grease” the classic beach movie, hits the big screen at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15. Finding Nemo and Jaws are set to air later in the summer.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children and $15 for families (2 adults and up to 3 children.) Purchase tickets in advance at www.HSVTicketSales.com.

For the full schedule of events at the DeSoto Pool, go to http://hsvpoa.org/files/pdf/2013_DesotoPoolFlyer.pdf.

Most recent Arkansas earthquake n Faulkner County

M2.5 - ARKANSAS

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude	2.5
Date-Time	12 Jun 2013 11:54:05 UTC 12 Jun 2013 06:54:06 near epicenter 12 Jun 2013 05:54:05 standard time in your timezone
Location	35.415N 92.406W
Depth	0 km
Distances	20 km (12 mi) N of Greenbrier, Arkansas 36 km (22 mi) N of Conway, Arkansas 60 km (37 mi) NW of Cabot, Arkansas 60 km (37 mi) N of Maumelle, Arkansas 74 km (45 mi) N of Little Rock, Arkansas
Location Uncertainty	Horizontal: 0.7 km; Vertical 2.1 km
Parameters	Nph = 20; Dmin = 15.3 km; Rmss = 0.16 seconds; Gp = 82° Version = A
Event ID	nm 061213b

Balboa Road closed today

Balboa Road from Talana Place to Isla Mujeres Court in Hot Springs Village, will be closed to through traffic from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, June 11 to replace a failing culvert caused by last week's storms. The Public Works Department anticipates the replacement will be completed in one day.

For more information, call the department of public works at 501-922-5524 or 501-922-5528.

Midnight Hurricanes at Historic Washington State Park

Historic Washington State Park will be hosting the first of the 2103 Music in the Park concert series June 15th beginning at 7:30 pm. The 1874 Courthouse lawn will be the setting for outstanding music and a time of summer fun. Bring your favorite lawn chair and sit back for an evening of entertainment absolutely FREE! 
The Midnight Hurricanes began in 2000 and are centered around De Queen, Arkansas. They play a variety of modern Country Music and have played in various parts of the Ark-La-Tex region. Members include: Jimmy Carver, Lead Guitar/Vocals; Shane Carver, Bass Guitar and Drums; Glen Hawthorne, Drums; Rick Shaw, Keyboard, Lead Guitar/Vocals; Brett Lowery, Fiddle; and Scotty Floyd, Lead Vocals. They were a huge hit during the 2013 Jonquil Festival so come out and have a great time with the Midnight Hurricanes. 
Activities in Washington begin with the Farmers Market at 7:30 AM and continue throughout the day with Family Fun Day activities free for all from 9:00AM to 4:30PM 

Williams Tavern Restaurant will be open for supper with their famous home-cooking, and park tours are available at regular price from 8 to 5, if you would like to arrive early and explore.
For information call 870-983-2684.

This Sunday with the Muses

The Muses will present their second seasonal concert, “Father’s Day Garden Party” in the subscription series, “The Four Seasons in Art & Song” at Garvan Woodland Gardens’ Anthony Chapel, at 3 p.m. on Father’s Day, June 16.
This concert is sure to put a song in your dear Dad’s heart as Father’s Day in Garvan Woodland Gardens will sparkle with classic tunes from the musical theatre stage and other popular standards, including songs from "The King & I," "My Fair Lady," "Sound of Music," "West Side Story," "Phantom of the Opera," and many others. Professional singers Dustin Peterson, Katy Yerina and Ken Goodman join Hot Springs’ Muses Deleen Davidson and trombonist Steve Suter, along with pianist Chris Parker of Little Rock for this distinctive presentation of musical theater favorites.
Dustin Peterson, a Kansas native and graduate of the University of Kansas with a BFA in Theater and Voice and an MM in Opera Performance, is a Hot Springs favorite who first came to our attention as a voice apprentice with the Hot Springs Music Festival performing the role of Don Jose in the Festival’s production of Carmen. Peterson, a handsome and strapping young man is a superb tenor and gracious performer who has also performed the roles of Hoffman from the “Tales of Hoffman”, Don Ernesto from “Don Pasquale”, as well as performances in two Muses opera productions, of “Don Giovanni” and “Die Fledermaus”. He is currently performing in the National Music Festival in Chestertown, Md. and is scheduled to sing in the Winter Opera in St. Louis next year.
Katy Yerina is a native of Dover, AR and a graduate of Arkansas Tech University. At only 23 years old, this vivacious young soprano is an experienced musical theater performer who has had roles in “South Pacific”, “Willy Wonka”, “The Old Maid and the Thief” and most recently as Peter Pan in “Peter Pan”. Currently, Yerina works as a voice teacher and choreographer for her local Junior and Senior High School theatre productions, as well as a middle school choir director in Russellville, AR.
Hot Springs own Ken Goodman; a Henderson graduate with countless awards and accolades has long been an entertainer/performer. His stage appearances include lead roles in Bye, Bye Birdie, The Music Man, Babes in Toyland, Cinderella, The Foreigner, Le Nozze di Figaro, and an adaptation of L’Histoire du Soldat.

At the age of four, Ken was in a terrible auto accident in which he nearly completely severed his tongue. After a tedious operation and months of healing, Ken regained his speech and song, and today, this velvety smooth baritone entertains audiences singing the songs of his heart.
Deleen Davidson is a veteran of the musical theatre stage, having made her official debut at age 10 as a gingerbread man in “Hansel & Grettel”. From there she rapidly progressed through the standard repertoire: Sound of Music, Music Man, Oklahoma, Scrooge, Man of LaMancha, Guys & Dolls, Annie, Hello Dolly, Barnum, Pippin, Evita, and lots, lots more. All through high school and college, she was cast as a singer and dancer (always more singing, than dancing), eventually working also as choreographer, and stage director. Even though her professional work turned more to classical music, her recitals always included musical theater pieces. Doing more performing abroad, it became clear that European audiences really wanted to hear American Broadway show tunes. “They have plenty of wonderful singers who can do Schubert and Mozart; they want to hear Rogers & Hammerstein, Bernstein, and Gershwin”, commented Deleen. 

The Muses Creative Artistry Project, a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to preserve the classical arts through performance and education, was designed to promote music, art, creativity and wellness. The Muses was founded in 2007 when Davidson relocated to Hot Springs from New Orleans after her home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Each year, the Muses bring performers from across the country to entertain audiences throughout Arkansas with world-class operas and a variety of musical and artistic performances.
Series tickets for the final three concerts are still available for $60, a $20 savings over individual prices of $25 per concert. Advance tickets are encouraged, as several of last year’s concerts were sold out in advance.
For more information, contact the Muses at (501) 463-4514 or www.themusesproject.org.

Hot Springs dog bite incidents

Two separate dog bite incidents occurred on Saturday, June 8 within the city limits. The first incident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. when an 18-year-old male was walking up a hill in the Hollywood Avenue area. A stray black pit bull with a white chest approached the man from behind and bit him on the left arm and leg and then ran off.

 

The second attack occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. in a West St. Louis Street neighborhood. A stray dog, identified as a white pit bull mix with tan and black spots, came into a yard where an 8-year-old girl was playing. She was bitten on the right bottom jaw and lip. A relative hit the dog with a pole and it ran off.

 

Both areas will be patrolled for the next 10 days in an attempt to locate and secure both animals. Anyone seeing dogs matching their description should contact Hot Springs Animal Services, 501-262-2091.

McDaniel suit against excessive interest rates on pawned goods

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel filed a consumer-protection lawsuit today against a Texarkana pawn shop accused of charging excessive interest rates on title loans in violation of Arkansas law.

 

McDaniel’s lawsuit alleges that Tri-State Pawn of Texarkana, Inc., assessed illegally high interest rates on auto-title loans made in Arkansas. An auto-title loan, known as a title pawn, is a short-term, high-interest loan in which the borrower provides the lender with the title and a key to his or her vehicle as collateral for the loan, but the borrower retains possession of the vehicle.

 

In at least two transactions, McDaniel contends that Tri-State Pawn charged interest equivalent to a 240 percent annual rate.

 

“These lending practices and those similar, such as payday loans, are unfair and unconstitutional,” McDaniel said. “These types of loans typically push consumers further into debt. We will continue to actively work to stop lending that harms Arkansas consumers.”

 

The complaint states that Tri-State Pawn in one instance seized the vehicle of a borrower prior to the due date of the borrower’s payment, in additon to charging unlawful interest.

 

McDaniel asked the court to order Tri-State Pawn to cease charging and collecting illegal interest, cancel any outstanding illegal debt, and pay restitution and civil penalties.

The lawsuit was filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court.

Road closure in Hot Springs

Carson Street in Hot Springs, from West Belding Street to Winona will be closed to through traffic Tuesday, June 11 until Friday, June 14 for gas line construction.

 

Morrison Street, from Carson Street to Oakcliff will be closed to through traffic Tuesday, June 11 until Friday, June 28 for gas line construction.

 

Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closures.

Pryor on the Farm Bill

Comments of US Senator Mark Pryor:

After a lot of hard work and persistence, I’m happy to say that the Senate has passed a fair and equitable Farm Bill. We’ve made significant improvement from last year’s one-size-fits-all solution. My bio-preferred provision within the bill ensures that timber farmers have a greater advantage in today’s global marketplace. We’ve also inserted strong market protections for southern farmers, and kept the catfish inspection program intact so our food’s safe and healthy. All in all, this is a win for Arkansas.

U.S. District Judge nomination announced

U.S. Senator Mark Pryor today Friday that Timothy L. Brooks has been nominated by President Obama for U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas.

“With his experience, intellect, enthusiasm, and thoughtfulness, I have no doubt that Timothy Brooks will be a good fit as judge for the Western District of Arkansas,” Pryor said. “I look forward to sharing his qualifications with my colleagues, and moving his nomination through the confirmation process.”

Timothy Brooks is currently a partner with Taylor Law Partners, LLP in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Brooks has spent his entire 24-year legal career with the firm, becoming a partner in 1993. He represents individual plaintiffs and corporate clients in complex civil litigation in both federal and state courts, with an emphasis on commercial and medical malpractice cases. Brooks received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas and his J.D. with honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Road closure in Hot Springs

Audubon Street in Hot Springs from Roberts Street to Seventh and the northbound of lane of Seventh Street from Audubon to Jerome Street will be closed to through traffic all week beginning Monday, June 10 for sewer main construction.

 

Signs will be posted. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closures.

Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame piece by Zoie Clift

Zoie Clift

Ouachita Travel Writer

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Bill Carter, Louie Shelton, Gary Weir, Mike Utley and the late Sister Rosetta Tharpe are this year’s additions to the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame. An induction ceremony is set for the Hot Springs Convention Center on Saturday, June 8. Shelton and Utley are to perform and the other living members are scheduled to be in attendance for the ceremony.

Below are quick bios of the five entertainers:

Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1915-1973) – Born Rosetta Nubin in Cotton Plant around 1915, Tharpe’s early training was in religious music. Her mother, Kate Bell “Mother Bell” Nubin was a traveling missionary and “gospel shouter.” Rosetta developed a unique vocal and guitar style that caught the attention of Decca Records who signed her in 1938. She was an overnight sensation and is considered by many to be gospel music’s first superstar. Also a crossover performer, she influenced numerous rock musicians such as Bob Dylan, Little Richard, Elvis Presley and fellow Arkansan Johnny Cash. She appeared with such legendary performers as Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman and Louis Jordan -- and often took the stage at the Cotton Club and Café Society. Her biography, by George Washington University scholar Gayle Wald, is Shout, Sister, Shout: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Tharpe passed away in 1973 and in 2007 was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. The PBS series American Masters recently released a documentary on her called “Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll.”

Bill Carter -- A legend in the music business, Carter grew up in the small town of Rector. He went to law school and got jobs in southern politics, then joined the Secret Service and served under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. He was a Secret Service agent who was assigned to help investigate Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas in 1963. After leaving the Secret Service, he returned to the practice of law in Arkansas. A political activist, Carter was appointed to the Arkansas Law Enforcement Academy Commission in 1969 by Republican Governor Winthrop Rockefeller. In that position, which he held until 1972, he co-authored a book on criminal procedures and spoke to law enforcement officials throughout the state. Carter also helped Memphis entrepreneur Fred Smith get his then-fledgling Federal Express delivery business off the ground. He was the attorney called when Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards needed legal help in Fordyce -- and when the Stones needed help getting back into the U.S. (after being busted for possession in Toronto) to perform their concert tours. That’s just the beginning of his story. The whole tale is told in the biography he wrote: Get Carter: Backstage in History from JFK’s Assassination to The Rolling Stones. He is now an attorney and television producer who lives outside Nashville, Tennessee. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism recently awarded Carter the Crystal Award in recognition of his work with Arkansas State University to restore Johnny Cash’s home in Dyess and for his work with the Johnny Cash Music Festival.

Louie Shelton – A North Little Rock native, Shelton is a well-known studio musician, providing guitar riffs for such hits at The Monkee’s "Last Train to Clarksville,” “I Want You Back,” by the Jackson Five, and the long guitar solo on “Hello” by Lionel Richie. Additionally, he has produced for recording artists such as Seals and Crofts, Art Garfunkel, Dan Seals, and Corey Wells. His guitar can be heard on albums by Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Glen Campbell and John Lennon. Shelton currently lives in Australia but makes frequent trips home to the U.S. for performances.


Gary Weir -- A resident of North Little Rock, he became a television legend in the state when, in 1966, he began appearing on KATV, Channel 7 (later on KARK, Channel 4 and KLRT, Fox 16), as Bozo the Clown. The Bozo Show is a part of Arkansas television history. It aired every afternoon for 25 years showcasing cartoons and games, but mostly, Bozo and the kids. Weir also has a love of Thoroughbred racing and for 18 years was host of the Oaklawn Report, which was featured on various TV channels recapping the day’s races.

Mike Utley -- Musician Mike Utley was born in Blytheville and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a zoology degree. Early in his career he worked with the house band for Atlantic Records, backing performers such as Aretha Franklin, Jerry Jeff Walker and the Allman Brothers. In February 1973, after Jimmy Buffett had moved to Key West from Nashville, he heard Utley playing keyboards on one of Jerry Jeff Walker’s albums. He liked what he heard and asked Utley to play on his first major label album, A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean. Utley continued to work with other performers in the mid-1970s while continuing to work with Buffett until the latter’s 1977 breakout "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.” This is when he joined the Coral Reefer Band full-time. His is the longest active member of the band and is now its musical director. Utley has recorded with an impressive list of artists over his career, including Aretha Franklin, Ronnie Hawkins, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Jimmy Cliff, Sam The Sham, Jackson Browne, Booker T. Jones, and John Kay of Steppenwolf. He is also the producer of many albums with Buffett.

For more information on the event, contact Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027 or email Visit Hot Springs at hscvb@hotsprings.org.

One stop home ownership courses

Two classes for first-time homebuyers will be held by the One-Stop Homeownership Community Development Center beginning at noon on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 29 at 600 West Grand Avenue. Potential first-time homeowners will learn about closing costs, down payment funding, and how to shop for a home. Both classes must be taken in order to qualify for a certificate worth up to $10,000 in down payment assistance through the Arkansas Down Payment Incentive (ADDI). For registration information, please call 617-0158 on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Telephone scam

Garland County Sheriff Sanders would like to make everyone aware of another scam going around.

This scam involves someone saying they are representing the State Police Association and the Local Police Association, and are soliciting monetary donations to help the families of Scott County Sheriff Carpenter and Arkansas Game & Fish Officer Campora.

Individual Memorial Funds have already been established at these banks in Waldron, AR.

First National Bank
Community National Bank
Chambers Bank

The Muses summer concert: Father's Day Garden Party

June 16
3 p.m. - Anthony Chapel

Make plans now to celebrate Dad with a Broadway Favorites Concert on Sunday, June 16, at the second series concert by the Muses at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Anthony Chapel. Father’s Day will sparkle with classic tunes from the musical theatre stage, including songs from “The King & I”, “My Fair Lady”, “Sound of Music”, “West Side Story”, “Phantom of the Opera”, and many more. Bring the family and enjoy the fun of live performance in the Chapel in the woods.

Tickets for the Muses four-concert series "Four Seasons in Art and Song 2013" are available for $80, or can be purchased individually at $25. Tickets can be reserved by contacting the Muses at 501-463-4514 or www.themusesproject.org.

Grease coming to DeSoto pool next Saturday

Coming Saturday, June 15 - "Grease" - the classic beach movie, hits the big screen at the DeSoto Pool. The movie begins at 8:30 and runs to 10:30 p.m. -
$5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under and $15 for a family (two adults, up to three children). Concessions will be open - hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and drinks available for purchase.

Check out all the fun activities at the DeSoto Pool at http://hsvpoa.org/files/pdf/2013_DesotoPoolFlyer.pdf - Open swim will be available at all events.

Pool hours (unless noted above) are: Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m. Daily Rates are 3.75 (POA members) and 5.25 (Guests). Children 6 years old and under may swim for 1.50 (POA members) and 2.00 (Guests).Individual season passes are 89.50 (POA members) and 129.00 (Guests). Family season passes are 178.50 (POA members) and 249.00 (Guests). The pool is also available to rent for birthdays, family reunions, parties, etc. Rental is during non-scheduled hours and includes lifeguards. The cost is 45.25 per hour (POA members) and 60.00 per hour (Guests) for 30 people or less with a 25.00 clean up fee; each 10 additional people are 10.00 each.

Road closure in the Village

Balboa Road from Talana Place to Isla Mujeres Court, will be closed to through traffic from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 11 to replace a failing culvert caused by last week's storms. The public works department anticipates the replacement will be completed in one day and residents will be notified via eblast if more time will be needed.

For more information, call public works at 922-5524 or 922-5528.

Be careful on Lake Hamilton

Sheriff Sanders asks that you use extreme caution and good judgement if are planning on getting on Lake Hamilton over the next week or two, but particularly over the next several days.

In addition to the large amount of debris that has been washed down the main channel already, there is still an extremely large amount that is coming out of the river and making its way into the lake.

This debris includes complete trees, logs, brush and silt. Although a large amount of the debris is visible and on the surface, there is nearly twice as much, in some spots, sitting about 3 inches to 1.5 feet underwater and is not visible. This makes night-time activities on the lake even more dangerous.

If you are planning on getting on the lake, especially at night, please be mindful of these visible and invisible hazards, and operate your vessel appropriately to avoid damage or injury.

Muses at Garvan Woodland Gardens

The Muses Summer Concert: "Father's Day Garden Party"
June 16
3:00 p.m. - Anthony Chapel

Make plans now to celebrate Dad with a Broadway Favorites Concert on Sunday, June 16, at the second series concert by the Muses at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Anthony Chapel. Father’s Day will sparkle with classic tunes from the musical theatre stage, including songs from “The King & I”, “My Fair Lady”, “Sound of Music”, “West Side Story”, “Phantom of the Opera”, and many more. Bring the family and enjoy the fun of live performance in the Chapel in the woods.

Tickets for the Muses four-concert series "Four Seasons in Art and Song 2013" are available for $80, or can be purchased individually at $25. Tickets can be reserved by contacting the Muses at 501-463-4514 or www.themusesproject.org.

Yoga at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Summer Garden Yoga with Alan Vandenbergh
June 8, July 20, and August 17
10-11:30 a.m.
Klipsch Amphitheater

Join Alan Vandenbergh as he continues his monthly yoga classes at the Klipsch Amphitheater. This quiet venue with views of Lake Hamilton through the trees is the perfect setting for experiencing the relaxing effects of yoga.
The classes are geared toward the beginner in yoga, with hands-on instruction. Alan is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. He operates a yoga studio in Hot Springs Village and also teaches at Balance Yoga and Wellness in Hot Springs.

Participants should wear clothes geared for comfortable movement and bring their own mats and an old bath towel or other protection to use under the mat. Each session builds on previously-learned skills. Classes open to ages 13 and up, which makes this a great Saturday morning family activity.

$15 per class. For families of 3 or more, $10 per person per class. Registration is non-refundable except in case of inclement weather. Any refunds issued will be for cancelled classes only. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664 to register.

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Update from JP James Zahnd

James Zahnd

Justice of the Peace

Saline County District 13

21 Sergio Way – Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

Email: jameszahndonpoint@sbcglobal.net

Telephone: 501 / 701-3738

June, 4, 2013

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

A good crowd of local residents turned out May 21 when the Saline County Quorum Court held its monthly meeting in Hot Springs Village. Normally, the Court meets at the Saline County Court House in Benton, but the May and June meetings this year are being held at other sites -- the Village and East End -- in order to make the Court’s proceedings more accessible to citizens living considerable distances from the seat of our county government. 

It was the first time in four years the Court has met here, and local residents demonstrated their appreciation and commitment to effective local government by attending the meeting. 

One of the key pieces of business considered by the Court at its meeting here was an ordinance to reimburse jurors for the miles they drive to and from jury duty. I was the lead sponsor of that ordinance and pleased that it passed unanimously. 

Prior to the ordinance’s passage, those reporting for jury duty received a per diem of $25 a day, and those actually serving on a jury received $50 a day.  However, for jurors living here and in other distant parts of the County, much of the per diem was consumed by the cost of travel.  Now, jurors will receive 42 cents per mile driven to cover their automobile expense, in addition to their per diem. 

The cost of operating Saline County Detention Center in Benton is becoming an increasing concern for the Quorum Court.  While the Detention Center is one of the most effective and efficiently operated facilities of its kind in Arkansas, spiraling occupancy and increasing costs are making adequate funding a challenge.  The 2013 county general budget contains $1.3 million in supplemental funding for jail operations as well as other funding amounting to $1.4 million.

The seven-year-old Detention Center has the capacity to hold 180 prisoners. Last year, it recorded 6,207 bookings and 49,923 days of incarceration. Both figures represent increases of more than 10% in little more than five years.

Recently, jail officials have surfaced some creative approaches for easing the financial burden of caring for prisoners.  Last month, for example, the Quorum Court passed an ordinance requiring inmates to pay a $20 co-pay for any prisoner-initiated medical services they receive, and a $10 co-pay for all doctor prescribed prescriptions not covered by the inmates’ insurance. A related proposal yet to come before the Court would charge prisoners for the cost of their incarceration and for transportation to and from their court appearances.

While officials candidly acknowledge that such actions are not likely to provide major revenue for jail operations, they believe they do begin to shift the financial burden of incarceration from the County’s law-abiding taxpayers to the criminals. What do you think? If you have an opinion on this, I’d like to hear it.

If you have friends or neighbors who would be interested in having the information in my newsletters, please feel free to forward them to your personal email lists.  Until next time………..JZ